Biography of Colonel Miniyathabo ‘Minnie’ Baloyi Constantino Chiwenga’s New Wife
Colonel Miniyathabo Baloyi popularly known as Minnie Baloyi is Constantino Chiwenga’s third wife. He married her after finalising his divorce from his second wife Marry Mubaiwa.
What is Minnie Baloyi’s Background
Although originally from Nkayi in Matabeleland North, her family relocated to Filabusi where she spent her childhood between her hometown of Bulawayo and her new home area.
How Old Is Minnie Baloyi
She was born on 9 September 1976 at a time when her husband Constantino Chiwenga was fighting in the Second Chimurenga as a Zanla guerrilla in Tanzania and later Mozambique.
What Educational Qualifications Does Minnie Baloyi Have
Baloyi attended primary school in Filabusi before enrolling in Ekusileni Secondary School for her ‘O’ Levels from 1990-1993. According to her former classmates, she was a composed and determined individual during her time at school.
In 1994, following her time at Ekusileni, Baloyi enrolled at JZ Moyo High School (formerly known as Majoda) in Gwanda, Matabeleland South. She successfully completed her Advanced Levels before pursuing her tertiary education at the Institute of Administration and Commerce in Harare in 1996.
Between 2005 and 2009, she pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mandarin at PLA University of Foreign Languages in Kunshan, Jiangsu province, China, and graduated with first-class honors. She also obtained a Master’s degree in international relations with a focus on international/global studies from the University of Zimbabwe. Later, she completed her doctoral studies in Business Leadership, Business Administration, and Management at Midlands State University.
How Many Languages Does Minnie Baloyi Speak
Baloyi is a polyglot, fluent in several languages including her native Ndebele dialect. In addition to Ndebele, she is also proficient in Mandarin Chinese, French, Zulu, Sotho, Shona, and other languages. As Ndebele is a dialect of Zulu, it comes as second nature to her.
Businesses
In addition to her military duties as an army colonel, Baloyi is also a successful businesswoman. She holds the position of Managing Director at Kolamminnie (Pvt) Ltd, which operates under the brand name Style by Minie. The company specializes in both clothing and electronics, offering a premium shopping experience at its branches located at Longcheng Plaza, Linquenda House, and Sam Levy Village.
Chivaraidze Primary School
Chivaraidze Primary School (Image: ZWNews)
She founded the Chivaraidze Primary School, situated on a farm in the affluent neighbourhood of Umwinsdale. The school provides free education to underprivileged students and those with learning or physical challenges.
The school boasts modern amenities such as a well-equipped computer lab, a library, a clinic, a sports field, and teacher accommodation consisting of three bedrooms. Additionally, students have the opportunity to take optional classes in Ndebele and Chinese languages.
Family
Some of her closest relatives include Nhloswenhle Baloyi (brother), Balue Nyathi (sister), Charity Khumalo (sister), cousins Mark Nyathi, Dumisani Dube and Brian Nyathi and nephew Wonder Dube.
